Wed Nov 20 07:23:47 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka to Establish New Agricultural Development Agency
**Bengaluru, November 20, 2024** – The Karnataka State Cabinet has approved the creation of a new Karnataka State Agricultural Development Agency, aimed at streamlining agricultural development efforts, Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy announced today. The agency will consolidate various agricultural resources, including seed centers, Raitha Samparka Kendras (farmers’ contact centers), district training centers, and biological control labs, under a single umbrella organization. Minister Cheluvarayaswamy stated that this consolidation will foster better coordination and development within the agricultural sector.
The announcement follows a review of the Agriculture and Watershed Departments. The Minister reported that the state achieved 99% of its kharif (monsoon) crop sowing target, covering 81.36 lakh hectares out of a target of 82.48 lakh hectares. Progress on the rabi (winter) crop sowing stands at 52%, with 13.38 lakh hectares sown against a target of 25.53 lakh hectares. Sowing is expected to continue until December.
In further agricultural development news, the Cabinet also approved the establishment of an organic and millets hub in Hebbal, Bengaluru. This initiative is designed to expand market access for farmers producing these commodities and improve consumer access.
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